Understanding how to regenerate hair cells for hearing and balance recovery
Official title: Gene regulatory networks for hair cell regeneration
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11022197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny hair cells in our ears can heal themselves after being damaged, using zebrafish to learn more about the genes involved, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156916-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss or balance issues due to hair cell damage, particularly those who are adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss not related to hair cell damage or those with irreversible auditory nerve damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind hair cell regeneration, which are crucial for hearing and balance. By using zebrafish as a model, the study explores how genes respond to damage and how these responses can be harnessed to promote regeneration in humans. The approach involves advanced techniques in genomics and single-cell analysis to identify key regulatory networks that could lead to new treatments for hearing loss. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into potential therapies for patients suffering from hair cell damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking therapies that restore hearing and balance in individuals with hair cell damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in hair cell regeneration in non-mammalian species, but this approach in humans remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jimenez, Erin Alisa — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Jimenez, Erin Alisa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.